How often do you replace your mask?

AndyCelt · Post by **AndyCelt** » Mon May 07, 2012 7:30 pm

I have an Opus 360 that is going on a year old and seems to be doing fine. Not having excessive leaks, AHI is 3.5 and I feel pretty good. But from reading posts here I get the impression that most people replace their masks much more frequently. My DME wanted me to replace it at 90 days but it seemed fine then so I declined. Their advice was that when the mask loses elasticity it was time to replace... so what do you guys think? Leave well enough alone or is it time?

This post is partly inspired by the enthusiasm I am seeing for the Aloha Nasal Pillow. The only complaint I have with the Opus 360 is that I have red marks on the cheeks which now take some hours to fade so I am debating whether or not to get the Pad-A-Cheeks. But maybe that is because my mask is old?

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Mon May 07, 2012 7:37 pm

You replace the mask when you can no longer get a good seal. Some people replace their mask when the insurance allows whether or not they need it. Others replace the pillows or seals periodically and only replace the mask itself when it is obviously not giving a good, comfortable seal. Each of us needs to do what we feel is best for us. Some models will last longer than others.

Gerryk · Post by **Gerryk** » Mon May 07, 2012 7:42 pm

I get a new mask every three months which is suppose to be just a mask no head gear but it comes with headgear. Every six months I am eligable to get a new mask and headgear. That's what insurance pays for.

Now in reality, all I need are new cushions and headgear but insurance won't do it that way.

nanwilson · Post by **nanwilson** » Mon May 07, 2012 7:57 pm

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. By getting new masks every time they are offered is the reason insurance premiums are so high. DMEs are certainly going to try and push the frequent replacement....thats how they make their $$$$$$$.

RandyJ · Post by **RandyJ** » Mon May 07, 2012 7:59 pm

I have a Mirage Quattro full face mask that I have had for 13 months and replaced the cushion once. I also have a Mirage FX that is 6 months old and I've replaced the cushion twice.

Sparky223 · Post by **Sparky223** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:14 pm

I am curious as well. Apria has never said anything about a replacement. I am going on 1 year with mine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:46 pm

nanwilson wrote:If it ain't broke, don't fix it. By getting new masks every time they are offered is the reason insurance premiums are so high. DMEs are certainly going to try and push the frequent replacement....thats how they make their $$$$$$$.

Absolutely!!! My sentiments exactly.
I'm still using the original (ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face) mask I started out with seven years ago this month.
The original headgear lasted four years (replaced in Apr. 2009).
I finally replaced the original seal in April of 2011 even though the leak rate had actually gotten lower with age.
Still using the original hose, too.

I've never relied on insurance for replacement supplies and have always purchased them out-of-pocket (online suppliers).
But, I DO have a stockpile of spares of everything to last for more years than I'll probably live.
If you treat the stuff right, you can make it last a LOOOOOONG time.

.

Gerryk · Post by **Gerryk** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:50 pm

For some reason headgear doesn't last long for me so I need the replacements. I also find that I need to replace my cushion monthly or my leak rate goes up quickly.

sol · Post by **sol** » Mon May 07, 2012 9:43 pm

I replace the cushion when leak numbers start to go up, usually over 6 months.

DavidCarolina · Post by **DavidCarolina** » Mon May 07, 2012 11:47 pm

IM at 1 year, but i need to replace the cushion

ozze_dollar · Post by **ozze_dollar** » Tue May 08, 2012 12:28 am

There is no doubt that cushions and pillows need replacing several times a year but a mask..When it breaks I will replace it. We dont have the pressure to replace things as not only do we pay more here we also dont have cover from our private insurance. Dont ask me why ,perhaps its all a bit technical for them here. Private insurance and government support is a political issue here. Our government doesnt mind spending billions on whacko green projects but nothing for sick people.

Sheriff Buford · Post by **Sheriff Buford** » Tue May 08, 2012 5:35 am

Sparky223 wrote:I am curious as well. Apria has never said anything about a replacement. I am going on 1 year with mine.

Sparky: check on your insurance and see when they will allow for replacements.

Sheriff

tooter · Post by **tooter** » Tue May 08, 2012 6:02 am

My mask is now just about 1 years old. I have replaced the cushion at 6 and 12 months. I have never replaced the straps. They are like new. I never open the velcro areas so they stay intact. I have washed the straps once in that year.

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